Chennai: A significant incident unfolded late Saturday night during an encounter between the police and a notorious criminal known as ‘Rowdy Karuppu’ in Thirumudivakkam, located in the Kundrathur area near Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Karuppu, classified as an ‘A+’ category criminal, attacked the police team in a bid to evade arrest. During the confrontation, he assaulted a head constable with a sickle and attempted to hurl a country-made bomb at the police. In retaliation, the police shot him in the leg. He was arrested and taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries during treatment.
According to the police, they had received a tip-off that the criminal ‘Rowdy Karuppu’ was selling cannabis alongside his associate, Akash, behind a private college campus in Thirumudivakkam. Acting on this information, a special police team was constituted. The team, which included Head Constable Vijayakumar and other officers, arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area.
Upon reaching the location, the officers were shocked by what they discovered. Investigations revealed that Karuppu and his associate Akash were not only trafficking narcotics but were also manufacturing homemade explosives—specifically, country-made bombs. As soon as they spotted the police team, both men attempted to flee and allegedly tried to throw a country-made bomb at the officers. However, a major tragedy was averted thanks to the police’s alertness.
Amidst this, the police surrounded Karuppu. To evade arrest, he drew a sickle he was carrying and attacked Head Constable Vijayakumar, injuring him in the sudden assault. Police officers warned Karuppu to surrender, but he persisted in his attack and tried to escape the scene.
To bring the situation under control and ensure the safety of the police personnel, the police took retaliatory action. Head Constable Vijayakumar fired his service pistol in self-defense, striking Karuppu in the ankle. He collapsed to the ground immediately after being shot and was promptly taken into custody by the police. The injured criminal was rushed to the hospital after receiving first aid, but despite the doctors’ best efforts, he could not be saved.
Security was stepped up across the area following the incident. Police recovered materials used for making crude bombs, a sickle, and other incriminating items from the scene. A bomb disposal squad and forensic experts were also summoned to the site; they inspected the area and collected evidence. The recovered materials have been sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Police officials stated that ‘Rowdy Karuppu’ had long been a source of trouble for the police. He faced numerous serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, assault, extortion, illegal possession of weapons, and drug trafficking. Due to his persistent involvement in crime and the threat he posed to society, he had been classified as an ‘A+’ category criminal. The police had been monitoring his activities for a long time and making continuous efforts to apprehend him.
Head Constable Vijaykumar, who was injured in the incident, is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital. Police officials reported that his condition is stable and he is receiving the necessary medical care. Senior department officials visited the hospital to inquire about his well-being and commended his bravery.
Meanwhile, the police have launched a special operation to locate Karuppu’s associate, Akash. It is suspected that he managed to flee the scene. Police are scrutinizing CCTV footage from the surrounding areas and questioning locals in an effort to arrest the absconding suspect quickly.
Following the encounter, senior police officials have ordered a detailed investigation into the matter. The police stated that the entire sequence of events would be investigated in accordance with legal procedures and that all facts surrounding the encounter would be examined. Further action will be taken once the forensic reports regarding the explosives and other evidence recovered from the scene are received. This incident has once again raised concerns regarding the networks of organized crime and drug trafficking active in the state. The police state that operations against such criminals will continue, and strict action will be taken against those who undermine law and order.
